A team of researchers from Japan, Nepal and
Australia in recent years conducted a study that involved training community
health workers, building the capacity of peer supporters and empowering
patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the management of disease
conditions. The focus of the project was to support primary health care systems
in terms of designing and implementing the type 2 diabetes management
approaches at the primary care level. The project used a randomized controlled
design and was implemented in two districts (Kavrepalanchock and Nuwakot) of
Nepal.
The findings of this study determined the
significant financial burden of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, impacting
both individuals and healthcare systems in the country. One of the papers was
led by researchers at Central Queensland University and published in MDM
Policy & Practice, the study provides crucial insights that could
reshape diabetes care practices and policies.
Researchers
conducted a baseline survey of a health behaviour intervention from September
2021 to February 2022 among 481 patients with type 2 diabetes in Nepal's
Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts.
The research reveals that the average cost of
managing type 2 diabetes mellitus per patient over six months amounts to US
$22.87 in Nepal. This expenditure is divided into direct medical costs (61%),
covering expenses such as diagnosis, hospitalisation, and essential
medications; direct nonmedical costs (15%), which include expenditures like
transportation for healthcare visits and special dietary requirements; and
productivity losses (24%), reflecting the economic impact of reduced work
capacity due to type 2 diabetes.
Notably, healthcare expenses were found to be
higher among urban residents and patients with comorbid conditions compared to
their rural counterparts and those without additional health issues. This
disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions that address regional
variations and the specific needs of different patient groups.
Lead author Mr Padam Dahal emphasizes the
potential of integrating diabetes care into existing primary healthcare systems
as a means to reduce costs and enhance the quality of care. Such integration
not only promises better health outcomes for patients but also provides
actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers aiming to
optimize resource allocation.
Looking forward, the study advocates for
sustainable healthcare reforms nationally by promoting integrated care models.
Future research will explore how these findings can be applied across diverse
healthcare settings and their long-term implications for patient health and
system sustainability.
In a time of rising healthcare costs, the
findings from these districts underscore the importance of proactive measures
to alleviate the economic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus. By prioritizing
integrated care and preventive strategies, policymakers and healthcare
professionals have the opportunity to improve diabetes management nationally,
making healthcare more efficient and accessible for all.
This
article brings hope to people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and encourages
changes in healthcare policies to improve lives and lower healthcare costs
across the country.
For more detailed insights into this groundbreaking research and the complete study, visit MDM Policy & Practice at https://doi.org/10.1177/23814683231216938 or contact the lead author (Padam Dahal), at [email protected])
